What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of wisdom in resolving conflicts? The Heart of the Passage (1 Corinthians 6:2) “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” • Paul reminds believers that future responsibility to judge with Christ equips us, even now, to settle earthly disputes with godly wisdom. • The verse assumes the church already possesses the spiritual resources needed—Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and sanctified minds. Wisdom’s Portrait in James 3 “ ‘The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.’ ” (James 3:17-18) • Peace-loving: wisdom aims at reconciliation, not victory. • Gentle and reasonable: it listens before it speaks. • Full of mercy and good fruits: it chooses restoration over retaliation. • Impartial and sincere: it avoids favoritism, hidden agendas, or manipulation. Proverbs: Time-Tested Counsels for Conflict • Proverbs 15:1 — “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” • Proverbs 17:14 — “To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.” • Proverbs 17:27 — “A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.” • Proverbs 18:13 — “He who answers before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.” • Proverbs 18:17 — “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” • Proverbs 19:11 — “A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” • Proverbs 21:23 — “He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from trouble.” • Proverbs 24:6 — “By wise counsel you will wage your war, and victory lies in a multitude of advisers.” • Proverbs 25:8-12 — Urges slow trips to court, private discussion, and well-timed words “like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Jesus on Peacemaking • Matthew 5:9 — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” • Matthew 18:15 — “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” • Matthew 5:23-24 — First be reconciled to your brother before offering your gift at the altar. Apostolic Instructions for Wise Resolution • Romans 12:17-18, 21 — “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone… Overcome evil with good.” • Romans 14:19 — “Let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” • Ephesians 4:2-3 — “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Philippians 2:3-4 — “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Colossians 3:13-16 — “Bearing with one another and forgiving… Let the word of Christ richly dwell in you with all wisdom.” • Galatians 6:1 — “Restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” • 2 Timothy 2:24-25 — “A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone… gently instructing those who oppose.” • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” Threads That Tie These Texts Together • Wisdom flows from God and reflects His character. • Peacemaking, patience, and gentle speech are hallmarks of true wisdom. • Listening precedes judging; facts are weighed before conclusions are drawn. • Private, respectful dialogue is preferred to public confrontation or litigation. • Forgiveness and mercy triumph over personal rights and pride. • Community counsel offers safety; lone-wolf decisions court disaster. Putting Wisdom to Work • Seek God first (James 1:5); pray for a calm, impartial spirit. • Gather facts—listen fully (Proverbs 18:13, 17) before forming conclusions. • Address issues promptly but privately (Matthew 18:15). • Choose gentle words (Proverbs 15:1) and a humble tone (Philippians 2:3-4). • Be willing to overlook minor offenses (Proverbs 19:11) and forgive freely (Colossians 3:13). • Invite wise counsel when needed (Proverbs 24:6). • Aim for restoration, not mere resolution—overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). |
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